Make your paddle last
A few minutes of care keeps the spin sharp and the paddle playing like new, especially in Philippine heat.
A good paddle is an investment, treat it like one. The two things that quietly ruin paddles are a dirty face (less spin) and heat (warping and delamination). Both are easy to avoid.
Clean the face, it's where spin lives
A carbon face grips the ball because of its texture. Ball residue, dust and court grime fill that texture and your spin quietly fades. After play, wipe the face with a damp microfibre cloth, or use a paddle eraser / cleaning sponge to lift residue from the grit. Skip harsh solvents, water or a mild cleaner is enough.
Beware the heat, this is the Philippines
The fastest way to kill a paddle here is to leave it in a parked car or in direct sun. Sustained heat can warp the face and delaminate the core. Always store it in its cover, somewhere cool and dry. Don't toss it loose in a bag where the edge guard can get knocked.
Keep your grip fresh
A slick, worn grip makes you squeeze harder, which causes the arm fatigue everyone blames on the paddle. Swap your overgrip when it loses tack (every few weeks for regular players). Building up a thin grip with an extra wrap is also the cheapest way to perfect your grip size.
Quick do's and don'ts
- Do wipe the face after every session.
- Do store it in its cover, away from heat.
- Don't use it as a tray, a fan, or to scoop balls, edge dings add up.
- Don't leave it in a hot car. Ever.